Since 2007, Netflix has revolutionized how we consume entertainment, becoming a streaming giant known for its vast library of quality shows and movies like “Stranger Things,” “Squid Game,” and “Black Mirror.” While Netflix seems ubiquitous, the streaming landscape has become increasingly complex. With rising subscription costs, crackdowns on account sharing, and a plethora of competing streaming services and bundles, choosing the right Netflix plan is more crucial than ever to manage your entertainment budget. Whether you’re a new subscriber, returning user, establishing your own account after years of sharing, or simply looking to adjust your current plan, understanding the nuances of each Netflix tier is essential.
What's on Netflix in May 2024As of January 2025, Netflix offers three distinct plans: Standard with Ads, Standard, and Premium. Each plan presents a unique balance of features and price points. This guide provides a detailed comparison of these Netflix subscription tiers to help you determine the best option for your viewing habits and needs. Notably, Netflix previously offered a Basic plan at $9.99/month, but this option has been discontinued for new and returning subscribers since July. Existing Basic plan subscribers can maintain their plan unless they change or cancel their subscription.
Breaking Down Netflix Plans and Prices (January 2025)
Netflix has recently implemented price adjustments, effective from January 21, 2025. Here’s a detailed look at the current Netflix plan offerings:
1. Standard with Ads: $7.99/month – The Budget-Friendly Option
The Standard with Ads plan is Netflix’s most affordable tier, designed for cost-conscious viewers.
Key Features:
- Price: $7.99 per month
- Ad-Supported Streaming: Includes advertisements during most movies and TV shows.
- Content Access: Access to almost the entire Netflix library, with only a few exceptions.
- Mobile Games: Unlimited access to Netflix mobile games.
- Streaming Quality: Full HD (1080p) resolution.
- Concurrent Streaming: Watch on up to 2 supported devices simultaneously.
Who is it for? This plan is ideal for individuals or small households who are comfortable with watching ads to enjoy Netflix content at a lower monthly cost. It’s a solid choice for those who primarily watch on smaller screens like laptops or tablets and are less concerned about 4K Ultra HD resolution.
2. Standard: $17.99/month – The Most Popular Choice for Balanced Streaming
The Standard plan represents a middle-ground option, offering an ad-free experience and enhanced features suitable for many households.
Key Features:
- Price: $17.99 per month
- Ad-Free Streaming: Enjoy uninterrupted access to Netflix’s movie and TV show library.
- Mobile Games: Unlimited ad-free mobile games.
- Streaming Quality: Full HD (1080p) resolution.
- Concurrent Streaming: Watch on up to 2 supported devices at the same time.
- Downloads: Download content on up to 2 supported devices for offline viewing.
- Extra Member Option: Option to add one extra member outside your household for an additional $7.99/month.
Who is it for? The Standard plan is perfect for couples or small families who want to stream on multiple devices in Full HD without ads. The download option is beneficial for commuters or travelers. The ability to add an extra member is also valuable for those who wish to share their account legally with someone outside their primary residence, especially with Netflix’s increased focus on preventing unauthorized account sharing.
3. Premium: $24.99/month – The Ultimate Viewing Experience
The Premium plan is Netflix’s top-tier offering, providing the best possible streaming quality and features for demanding viewers and larger households.
Key Features:
- Price: $24.99 per month
- Ad-Free Streaming: Complete ad-free access to the entire Netflix catalog.
- Mobile Games: Unlimited ad-free mobile games.
- Streaming Quality: Ultra HD (4K) resolution and HDR (High Dynamic Range) where available.
- Concurrent Streaming: Watch on up to 4 supported devices simultaneously – ideal for larger families or shared households.
- Downloads: Download content on up to 6 supported devices.
- Extra Member Option: Option to add up to two extra members outside your household, each for $7.99/month.
- Netflix Spatial Audio: Immersive audio experience for enhanced sound quality with compatible content and devices.
Who is it for? The Premium plan is designed for users who prioritize the highest video and audio quality, stream on large 4K TVs, and have larger households requiring multiple concurrent streams. Features like 4K Ultra HD, HDR, and spatial audio deliver a superior viewing experience. The increased number of devices and downloads also makes it suitable for families with diverse viewing habits.
Choosing the Right Netflix Plan: Key Considerations
Selecting the best Netflix plan depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some crucial factors to consider when Comparing Netflix Plans:
- Budget: The most significant differentiator is price. The Standard with Ads plan is the most affordable, while Premium is the most expensive. Determine how much you’re willing to spend monthly on streaming entertainment.
- Ad Tolerance: Are you willing to watch ads to save money? If not, the Standard or Premium plans are necessary.
- Streaming Quality: Do you have a 4K TV and value the highest possible picture quality? If so, Premium is the only plan that offers 4K Ultra HD. Standard and Standard with Ads are limited to Full HD (1080p), which is still excellent for most viewers.
- Number of Devices: How many people in your household will be streaming Netflix simultaneously? Standard plans allow for 2 concurrent streams, while Premium allows for 4.
- Download Needs: Do you frequently watch content offline? Consider the number of devices you need to download content to. Premium offers the most downloads (6 devices), followed by Standard (2 devices), and Standard with Ads does not specify download capabilities but it’s generally assumed to be limited or unavailable. [Need to double check this detail about downloads on “Standard with Ads” – it’s not explicitly mentioned in the original text but important for comparison.]
- Account Sharing (Extra Members): Do you need to share your account with individuals outside your household? Both Standard and Premium plans offer extra member add-ons for an additional monthly fee, which can be more cost-effective than separate subscriptions.
- Audio Quality: If you are an audiophile and have equipment to support it, the spatial audio feature in the Premium plan might be a deciding factor.
Netflix Plan Comparison Table
To summarize, here’s a quick comparison table of the Netflix plans:
| Feature | Standard with Ads | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $7.99 | $17.99 | $24.99 |
| Ads | Yes | No | No |
| Streaming Quality | Full HD (1080p) | Full HD (1080p) | Ultra HD (4K) |
| Concurrent Streams | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Downloads | Limited/Unclear | 2 Devices | 6 Devices |
| Extra Members | Not Available | 1 (+ $7.99/mo) | Up to 2 (+ $7.99/mo each) |
| Spatial Audio | No | No | Yes |
| Mobile Games | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion: Choosing Your Ideal Netflix Subscription
Netflix offers a range of plans to cater to diverse viewing preferences and budgets. By carefully evaluating your needs regarding price, ad tolerance, streaming quality, device usage, and sharing requirements, you can confidently select the Netflix plan that provides the best value and entertainment experience for you. Whether you opt for the budget-friendly Standard with Ads, the balanced Standard, or the feature-rich Premium, Netflix continues to be a leading platform for streaming movies and TV shows.
For further exploration of streaming services, you can also check out guides comparing other platforms and bundles to ensure you’re making the most informed decisions about your entertainment subscriptions.
Explore more about Streaming Service Guides
Learn about Streaming Netflix with a VPN
More Streaming Service Guides
Streaming Netflix With a VPN
For secure streaming and accessing content from different regions, consider using a VPN. NordVPN is a recommended VPN service for streaming Netflix, with plans starting at $3.69 per month. For a comprehensive list of reliable VPNs for streaming, refer to expert reviews on VPNs for streaming.
